Sword Points - SaintPaulsBrookfield.

Transforming
Lives Through
Jesus Christ
Sword Points
www.saintpaulsbrookfield.com
September 18, 2014
(203) 775-9587
Save-the-Date
Crocker Hall
Celebration
Saturday,
November 1st
† This Week at St. Paul’s
Thu, Sep 18
Sat, Sep 20
Sun, Sep 21
Mon, Sep 22
Tue, Sep 23
Wed, Sep 24
Thu, Sep 25
Sat, Sep 27
Sun, Sep 28
- 7:30 pm - Healing Team, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary
- 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Parish Hall
10:00 am - PraiseMoves, Parish Hall
10:00 am - St. Paul’s Quilters, Guild Room
11:00 am - House of Prayer, Sanctuary
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 am - Traditional Eucharist
9:15 am - Young Adult Bible Study, Class Room
9:30 am - Deacon’s Forum, Guild Room
10:30 am - Sunday School
10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist
2:30 pm - Youth Group Kick-Off
St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
- 9:15 am - Ladies Bible Study, Guild Room
- 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite II & Healing
- 7:00 pm - Grief Group, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary
- 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Guild Room
10:00 am - PraiseMoves, Parish Hall
11:00 am - House of Prayer, Sanctuary
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 am - Traditional Eucharist
9:15 am - Young Adult Bible Study, Class Room
9:30 am - Deacon’s Forum, Guild Room
10:30 am - Sunday School
10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist
4:00 pm - Youth Group
† This Date on the Church Calendar
September 21st
St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
M
atthew, one of Jesus’ disciples, is probably to be
identified with Levi, a tax collector (“publican”)
mentioned by Mark and Luke. In the Gospel according to
Matthew, it is said that Matthew was seated in the custom-house
when Jesus bade him, “Follow me.” When Jesus called him, he
at once left everything, followed the Master, and later gave a
dinner for him. Mark and Luke also note that Levi was a tax
collector. In all three accounts, Jesus is severely criticized for
eating at the same table with tax collectors and other disreputable
persons.
Tax collectors were viewed as collaborators with the Roman State, extortioners who
took money from their own people to further the cause of Rome and to line their own
pockets. They were spurned as traitors and outcasts. The Jews so abhorred them that pious
Pharisees refused to marry into a family that had a publican as a member. Clearly, Matthew
was hardly the type of man that a devout Jew would have had among his closest associates.
Yet Jesus noted that it was the publican rather than the proud Pharisee who prayed the
acceptable prayer, “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.” There is frequent favorable
reference to publicans in the many sayings of Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew.
Matthew was called early in Jesus’ ministry, but that he wrote the Gospel that bears his
name is seriously doubted by scholars. It is, however, generally accepted that his “logia” or
“sayings of Jesus” have been included in that Gospel.
It may be that the author of the First Gospel took from Matthew’s
work some of the numerous parables and comments that make that
Gospel so popular a source for homilies and teaching. Through
this Gospel, especially, Jesus speaks not only of faith and eternal
life, but of duties toward one’s neighbors, family, and even
enemies. Tradition has it that Matthew, having converted many
persons to Christianity in Judea, traveled to the East; but there is no
certain evidence for this. He has been venerated as a martyr, but
the time and circumstances of his death are unknown. In our St.
Matthew stained glass window, his symbol, the moneybag refers to
his occupation before he was called to follow Christ.
† Happy Birthday to You!
J
ennifer Falci celebrates tomorrow! Monday is the big day for
Katherine Szen, Sarah Szen & Shirley Jessup. William
Boehm will be blowing out candles on Tuesday. Ted Koniecki
will be opening presents on Wednesday. Have a blessed day
everyone!
I
believe that I cannot come to my Lord Jesus Christ by my own
intelligence or power. But the Holy Spirit called me by the Gospel,
enlightened me with His gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith,
just as He calls, gathers together, enlightens and makes holy the whole Church
on earth and keeps it with Jesus in the one, true faith. In this Church, He
generously forgives each day every sin committed by me and by every believer.
On the last day, He will raise me and all the dead from the grave. He will
give eternal life to me and to all who believe in Christ. ~ Martin Luther
2
† Have You Ever Been Unemployed?
I
f so, this week’s gospel may not seem as unfair to you as someone else. In Matthew
16:1-16 the landowner pays everyone the same: those that started early in the
morning, those that were added on at 9 am, the extras that were came on at noon and 3 pm,
and finally those hired at 5 pm. On the surface this seems grossly unfair. And most
discussions of this text focus on envy, where the latecomers seemingly get a better deal.
But, which worker would you rather
be? The regular workers had the peace
of knowing at the beginning of the day
that they would get a full days pay and
could provide for their family. Now
the workers added at noon, while being
unsure what their future held all
morning long, at least probably felt
during the afternoon they would earn
enough to possibly break even for the
day and provide dinner for their family.
Consider the hands added on at 5 pm.
How about the anxiety they endured all
day long, and then knowing that even by getting hired so late in the day, their pay most
likely wouldn’t amount to anything.
So, would you rather work all day long and get a days pay or worry all day long?
Now think about your spiritual life, your relationship with God. Are you envious of a
person who repents and is forgiven on their death bed after living a life of sin? Would you
really want to be that person, living a lifetime tortured, struggling to get through every day
not knowing Jesus. Or would you rather be the worker hired early in the day, and be
satisfied with the knowledge and assurance of what your Savior has done for you and
having the opportunity to live now in the Kingdom? How unfair is that?
Tag Sale Volunteers
H
earts to Hands Ministry is helping to coordinate a tag sale for a parishioner in need.
We need a few volunteers to help with preparation on Friday, September 19th
from 5:30-8:30pm and clean up on Saturday, September 20th in the late afternoon. If you
can donate a few hours of your time to help a Brookfield family we would greatly appreciate
it. Please contact Nicole O'Connors at (860) 788-2995.
Gift Cards Needed!
W
e are currently helping two parishioners with
short-term financial assistance through
grocery and gas gift cards. If you can spare $25,
$50 or more, please bring in a gift card for this
amount and give it to Nicole O'Connors or Dorothy
Crocker. You can also leave gift cards in the
church office marked for Hearts to Hands
Ministry. Thank you for your generosity!
Greeters Needed
Greeting people in a warm way makes them feel good about
their presence in church.
At St. Paul’s, we are always looking for people who feel
called to serve in this important ministry.
If you are interested in becoming a greeter, please contact
Pam Szen ([email protected])
or David Szen
3
O
W
N
utwardly
itnessing
the
ews
ews!
4
† Choir Practice for Sword Points Readers
(click on the red links below to begin your personal practice)
Opening Hymn
Gradual
Offertory Hymn
Communion Hymn
Closing Hymn
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
Fight the Good Fight With All Thy Might
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
“O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”
T
his hymn, written by Washington Gladden and published in 1879,
comes from a period of religious history in this country when there was
mch emphasis given to the social implications of the Gospel. The Civil War
had ended and our country was in the throes of a great industrial revolution.
Gladden was a native of Pennsylvania, and served churches in New York
and Massachusetts before accepting a call to First Congregational Church,
Columbus, Ohio, a parish he served for 32 years. Educated at Owego Academy
and Williams College, he was the moderator of the National Council of
Congregational Churches from 1904-1907. He served as one of the editors of
the Pilgrim Hymnal (1904).
As editor of the Independent, he made important contributions to the
cause of social justice. While a pastor in Massachusetts, Gladden began
Want to listen in to what we’ll
preaching about labor-management problems, encouraging cooperation
be
singing on Sunday at 10:30?
between employers and employees. This theme aroused opposition from
Or do you want to listen to a
those who felt the role of a minister was “to save souls, not to regulate
business.” Furthermore, he challenged the idea that the Bible was inerrant song from last week once more?
in matters of science and history.
Hymnologist Albert Bailey notes that “he found his fellow-clergymen
You can listen on Spotify by clicking
without courage to follow him, for heresy trials were beginning in the
here: St. Paul's 10:30 Service
Congregational Church.
From the Ohio pulpit, Gladden found willing listeners to his message at
This week’s set includes: Oh Our
the State University of Columbus. He received invitations to deliver
Lord, All
lectures at a number of universities including the Yale Divinity School.
Heaven
His tracts, Social Facts and Forces (1897) and Organized Labor and
Declares,
Capital (1904), were very influential.
Song to the
Perhaps this hymn is a paradox. Few singers realize that behind the
relatively peaceful words of Gladden’s poem, sung to a placid Victorian
Savior, Holy
melody, one can find the witness of a champion for social justice.
Spirit, &
Lifted High
† Transforming Stewardship
“So the last will be first and the first last” - Matthew 20:16
Y
ou’ve heard the saying “it’s not where you start but how you
finish.” This certainly applies to this Bible passage. We have a
responsibility not only for our own lives, but for the lives of others as
well. We are called to generously share our gifts with others, not
hoard them for our own use. Through our gratitude and generosity we
help each other get to Heaven!
A
s part of our outreach, St. Paul’s donates gift cards and
non-perishable items to six area food pantries. The
non-perishable items are provided by our generous
congregation and are truly appreciated. Donations for the
food pantry can be left in the basket at the back of the church.
Delivery is made to one food pantry each month. Thank you.
5
† Vestry Meeting
September 10th
Opening: The meeting was opened with
prayer at 7:35. Dave Williams led the
meeting. Mary Perry did a Bible study on
obedience in the small things leading to
abundance using Luke 5. Bonnie Wanzer
gave her testimony as a lifelong Christian
who committed her life to Jesus as a youth at
a retreat at Camp Washington. A later
experience at Marriage Encounter as a
married couple led her and her husband into
a life together in Christ. Through many life
changes and challenges they were always
walking with Christ. The August minutes
were approved as circulated.
Treasurer’s Report: Income exceeded
expenses in August by $5,400. Included in
this figure is $3,200 from niche sales which
will be transferred to the Memorial Garden
Fund. YTD the general fund is $10,476 in
the red. The Capital Fund will borrow
$57,697 from the Endowment Funds to pay
the balance on Crocker Hall. This money
will be paid back to the Endowment Funds
by the Capital Fund as pledges are paid. A
statement will be sent out before the end of
the year to those who pledged showing the
amount they pledged, the amount they paid
and the amount left on their pledge. A
second statement will be mailed early in
2015 for 2014 tax purposes. The
Endowment Funds show an increase of
57,000 YTD.
Committee Reports:
Mission Committee:
Bonnie Wanzer reported
that Mission requests will be due by
November 1st. Volunteers are needed to
make casseroles and to help at Dorothy Day
Hospitality House, our ongoing ministry in
Danbury. Hearts to Hands: Dot Crocker
reports the committee has been very active
with helping three parishioners, many have
given and the need is great. Evangelism:
Mary Perry reports that there will be a
Chaplaincy Training here at St. Paul’s this
fall led by Ken Perry. Healing Team, Health
& Fitness Ministry and Mission all submitted
written reports: please see attached reports.
Old Business: Policy & Procedures: David
Williams will send out completed sections to
members who did not work on those sections
for review and additions or corrections.
These are due back by the October Vestry
meeting. Planning has begun for the
November 1st celebration of Crocker Hall.
The Vestry approved a budget of $2,500.
New Business: Crocker Hall had a soft
opening on Sunday September 7th. All the
comments were reported as positive. Please
listen for further feedback and report back at
the next meeting. There is a tree to be
removed from the Memorial Garden; Don
Winkley will obtain three quotes and get
back to the Property Committee. The Vestry
will have our picture taken at the October
meeting.
Closing: Mary Perry closed the meeting
with prayer at 9:26.
Respectfully submitted,
Lois Hunt, Clerk of the Vestry
Sunday School Wish List
W
e are excited to begin upgrading the Sunday
School classrooms, one at a time, starting with
the nursery! We are looking for a new or gently used
glider to replace a broken rocking chair in this room. We
are also asking for any new or gently used books, toys,
puzzles, etc. that are designed for the 0-3 year old age
group to enhance the playing experience for our youngest
children. If you can donate anything for our nursery,
please contact Nicole O'Connors at (860) 788-2995 or
leave donations in the nursery. Thank you in advance!
6
Ingredients:
1 large bunch escarole (or
2 small bunches)
1 lb. sweet sausage
8 cloves garlic, sliced
Extra virgin olive oil
4-6 c. chicken broth
1 can Great Northern
beans with liquid
1 c. pasta (ditalini or
tubettini)
1-2 T. tomato paste
Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground
pepper, to taste
† Sausage & Bean Soup
Directions:
Clean escarole and cut into small pieces (do not shake off excess
water). Cover bottom of saute pan with olive oil and cook garlic
until fragrant. Add escarole and salt to taste. Cook until escarole
is tender. Set aside.
Cook sausage and break
up into pieces. Add
escarole and 4-6 cups
chicken stock. Cook for
30 minutes. Add
tomato paste and beans.
Cook for 15 minutes.
Season to taste.
Separately, cook pasta in boiling water or
chicken broth.
Serve pasta with soup and grated cheese. A
hearty autumn meal with a loaf of crusty bread.
Click here to submit your favorite recipe.
“
...are you envious because I am generous?” Do we spend more time
lamenting our personal scarcity than being grateful and thankful for all we
have been given and responding
accordingly? It is
certainly true that we can’t begin
to “out-give”
God, but would our lives perhaps be
more contented and feel more blessed if we
decide to be first-fruits or “I can’t wait to give” donors
to the life
and ministry to which God has called all of us? Remember, Baptism tells us we
are “marked as Christ’s own forever.” How do you respond to that gift?
† The Late-Arriving Workers
1973
JESUS MAFA is a response to the New Testament readings from the Lectionary by a
Christian community in
Cameroon, Africa.
Each of the readings
were selected and
adapted to dramatic
interpretation by the
community members.
Photographs of their
interpretations were
made, and these were
then transcribed to
paintings. See:
www.jesusmafa.com
and www.Social
Theology.com.
7
† Scholarly Speaking
Mediæval English Church Decoration II
T
he decorative figures which suffered the least damage seem to be the small carvings
called misericords (mercy seats)*. In many English (and Continental) churches the
choir stalls - especially those in the back rows used by the more senior clerics - were
equipped with hinged seats that would fold up exposing a small ledge that would allow
the occupant to lean against it while standing (as demonstrated here by a visitor to
Cheshire Cathedral). As the Divine Office† and the Mass were usually sung daily in
monastic and cathedral churches, as well as in larger parishes, and this required
participants to stand for some three to four hours each day; something to take part of the
load off would be an obvious mercy.
The subject matter of the carvings varies widely, including Bible
scenes, vignettes of daily life, animals, and mythical creatures, and
many scenes that seem rather out of place in church. St. Bernard in
one letter complained about inappropriate
carvings (apparently referring especially to
misericords) as “those filthy apes, those
fierce lions, those monstrous centaurs,
those half-men, those spotted pards, those fighting soldiers
and horn-blowing hunters”. Others, however depict Biblical
scenes such as Samson
carrying off the gates of
Gaza, or seem to convey a
moral warning. A very common subject is a mermaid,
usually carrying a mirror, and often understood as a
warning against vanity, but one may suspect an appeal to
prurient interests as well.
Animals, both real and imaginary are often featured. Exeter Cathedral has a well-known
depiction of an elephant, believed to be inspired by the live elephant
which Henry II received as a gift from the King of France, and kept for
some time at the Tower of London.
Lions, monkeys, and mythical
wyverns and dragons are very
common. Sometimes these are used
allegorically as in scenes of lions
fighting dragons where the former
represent Christ and the latter the
devil. Daily life scenes include
hunting, riding, a small ferryboat
with passengers, and this scene of a
barmaid drawing ale from a cask.
The location of these carvings on the undersides of choir stalls where they were often
concealed, and even when the seats were turned up to display them they were rarely
sufficiently well lit to be seen clearly, makes the labor and artistic skill that went into their
making all the more remarkable. These factors, together with the secular nature of much of
the subject matter, may well account for the preservation, and good condition, of so many of
them.
- Fr. Bill Loring, Scholar in Residence
D
o you have a question you
would like answered by our
Scholar-in-Residence? Send your
ecclesiastical, liturgical, doctrinal,
historical or other inquiries to:
[email protected].
8
* Although the term seems to have originally been applied to the
symbolic throne of God on the Ark of the Covenant, it came to be
used for a peg attached to a cross enabling the victim to partially
support himself while being crucified. In this case the effect was not
really merciful at all, but rather to prolong the agony
† These services comprised psalms, readings, hymns, and various
anthems and provided the source of our Morning and Evening Prayer,
but were much more extensive in their scope.
9
† #TBT
W
e’ve made some progress in
identifying this picture. Left to
right are: Pat Jennings, Terry Drorbaugh,
Carole Haughwout, unknown and
RuthAnne Frietag. We still could use
some help in identifying the location of
this retreat center. The two chimneys in
the background are distinctive. If you
know, contact us at
[email protected].
† Dorothy Day Ministry
T
he second Thursday of each month, St. Paul’s Church
provides a full meal at the Dorothy Day Hospitality
House in Danbury. This quiet “soup kitchen” ministry has been
ongoing for nearly 25 years!
We are blessed with many volunteers who prepare ziti
casseroles, and sandwiches as well as others who “work” at the
facility on our assigned day. Thank you - each and every one for what you continue to
provide for our less fortunate friends.
There is a continuing need for volunteers!
If you can assist in any way
- particularly on our “serving
day” - please come forward!
The “pay” is insignificant, the
experiences are
“unforgettable”, and the
rewards definitely “heavenly.”
Our guests, numbering well
over 100, recognize the love of
Christ and the Christian
community through this
ministry.
Barbara DeAnzeris 203-775
-3722 or Don Winkley 203-775
-3343 look forward to learning
of your availability.
10
† What’s Your Spiritual Gift?
Click on the following link to assess your God given gifts:
http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/tests
Each week we’ll define a different spiritual gift.
Knowledge
The gift of knowledge is the special
ability that God gives to certain
members of the Body of Christ to to
discover, accumulate, analyze and
clarify information and ideas which are
pertinent to the well-being of the Body.
Acts 5:1-11 * 1 Corinthians 2:14 * 1 Corinthians 12:8 *
2 Corinthians 11:6 * Colossians 2:2-3
Sunday School Registration
S
till need to register
your Sunday
School-aged children?
Please look for the bright yellow registration forms on the
back table in the sanctuary. Fill it out with all of your
child's pertinent information and return to Heather Melody,
Nicole O'Connors or place it on the small bookcase in the
Sunday School hallway. We are so excited to teach your
child(ren) this year. Please contact us with any questions
or concerns..
A Christian
Alternative
to Yoga
TRANSFORM YOUR WORKO
WORKOUTS
UTS INTO
WORSHIP WITH PRAISEM
PRAISEMOVES
OVES -THE CHRISTIAN ALTERN
ALTERNATIVE
ATIVE TO YOGA
Classes held in CrockerHall
Saturday’s , 10:00 a.m. with
Mary Perry, Certified PraiseMoves
Instructor
Email Mary to sign up at
[email protected]
Deep Stretching, Gentle Movement,
and Strong Scripture
combine for flexibility and strength.
11
The Hearts to Hands Ministry and the Christian Caring
Committee strive to meet the physical needs of Saint Paul's
parishioners. We meet these needs by coordinating
assistance from other parishioners who want to help. If
you are currently struggling with a housing,
transportation or financial challenge, please contact Nicole
O'Connors (860) 788-2995 or Gail Winkley (203) 775-3343 for assistance.
Hearts to Hands Wish List
We are currently assisting parishioners who need:
1) Financial assistance for back to school clothing for two young children
2) Professional or experienced assistance for major mortgage decisions
3) Coordinator and helpers to organize, plan and execute an 'attic clearing'
tag sale in September
4) Gas and grocery gift cards
If you can help us in any way, please contact Nicole O'Connors at (860)
788-2995 or Dorothy Crocker at (860) 355-5672. Thank you so much.
It’s Coming!
Blessing of the
Animals
Saturday,
October 4, 2014
2:00 to 4:00
PM
Name Tags - Many people have mentioned how helpful wearing nametags
were to them in assimilating into our congregation. Please continue to be
courteous to our guest clergy, fellow parishioners, to newcomers and other
guests by extending a warm welcome to them and by wearing your name
tag. And remember to wear them to coffee hour as well.
12
Tag Sale at the Keating's
Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm, 8
Crestview Drive (Off of Iron
Works Hill), Brookfield CT.
Emptying out the attic!
Loads of stuff for
young children, toddler
bed, play kitchen (w/
grill), ride on Jeep, toys
galore, infant life jacketneoprene, easel, books,
clothes for little girlsrandom sizes 24 mo-4T, strollersCityMini double stroller, Jeep jogger,
etc.
Dog stuff- crate for Labrador sized
dog, brand new fabric-cutting table in
box from Joann fabric. Wooden
cradle on rockers for toys, baby cradle,
play yard. and more!
† Transforming Saints of God
September 18th
Edward Bouverie Pusey
Priest, 1882
he revival of High Church teachings and practices in the Anglican Communion,
known as the Oxford Movement, found its acknowledged leader in Edward
Bouverie Pusey. Born near Oxford, August 22, 1800, Pusey spent all his scholarly life in
that University as Regius Professor of Hebrew and as Canon of Christ Church. At the end
of 1833 he joined Keble and Newman in producing the Tracts for the Times, which gave the
Oxford Movement its popular name of Tractarianism.
His most influential activity, however, was his preaching - catholic in content,
evangelical in his zeal for souls. But to many of his more influential
contemporaries it seemed dangerously innovative. A sermon
preached before the University in 1843 on “The Holy Eucharist, a
Comfort to the Penitent” was condemned without his being given an
opportunity to defend it, and he himself was suspended from
preaching for two years - a judgment he bore most patiently. His
principles were thus brought before the public, and attention was
drawn to the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the
Eucharist. From another University sermon, on “The Entire
Absolution of the Penitent,” may be dated the revival of private
confession in the Anglican Communion.
When Newman defected to the Church of Rome in 1845, Pusey’s adherence to the
Church of England kept many from following, and he defended them in their teachings and
practices.
After the death of his wife in 1839, Pusey devoted much of his family fortune to the
establishment of churches for the poor, and much of his time and care to the establishment
of sisterhoods. In 1845, he established the first Anglican sisterhood since the Reformation.
It was at this community’s convent, Ascot Priory in Berkshire, that Pusey died on
September 16, 1882. His body was brought back to Christ Church and buried in the
cathedral nave. Pusey House, a house of studies founded after his death, perpetuates his
name at Oxford. His own erudition and integrity gave stability to the Oxford Movement
and won many to its principles.
T
13
T
he Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study recently began their fall session studying
Jeremiah & Lamentations. Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet,
faithfully and boldly obeyed his calling to proclaim God's judgment to an unheeding
nation, yet the plight of his people affected him deeply. Through
lyrical prayers and poems, the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations
paint a vivid picture of
human loneliness,
sorrow, and suffering
while revealing the
beautiful hope found
only in God.
Come study with
them and become more
enlightened, Tuesdays
from 9:15 - 11:00 am.
For more info, call or email, Debbi Pomeroy at
(203) 312-6992 or
[email protected].
14
† This Sunday’s Readings
Rules of the Kingdom
Exodus 16:2-15
e hear the story of God’s feeding of the people in the wilderness. The Israelites
are full of complaints and now think they would prefer slavery and death in Egypt
to their present difficulties. The Lord appears to them and promises sustenance, but also a
test, for they will only be given food on a day-to-day basis. It is possible to explain the food
in natural terms; the flock of quail provide flesh and the secretion of insects the bread-like
substance. But the point of the narrative is that God provides. The Israelites call the bread
manna (perhaps from words meaning “What is this?).
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
A hymn of praise celebrating God’s forming of a people through the generations.
Philippians 1:21-30
In this reading Paul tells the Philippians that he would prefer to be with
Christ beyond death, but he recognizes that he still has good work to do in this
Matthew 20: 1-16
earthly life. The passage suggests that Paul had reason to think his death might
be near, perhaps by martyrdom. He looks forward to a closer union with Christ,
Where 2 or 3 are gathered
but believes it more likely that he will be able to visit the Philippians again.
together - in families,
Either way, he asks that they live in a manner worthy of the gospel and stand
firm in unity with one another.
friends, or church - the
Matthew 20:1-16
challenge is always: How
Our gospel is the story of the laborers in the vineyard, who are all paid the
same wage despite their different hours of work. Like most parables, this story
will we deal with envy when
can have many meanings, as have been given to it in the life of the church. On
God is generous with
one level is suggests that nobody can presume on God’s grace, so often extended
to those who may see the least deserving. The parable deliberately flies in the
some but not all.
face of normal expectations. It offers a clue pointing to God’s extraordinary
evenhandedness in dealing with people quite apart from human ideas about their
merit. Jesus may have told it in defense of his own sharing in the lives of the outcast.
W
† Pick Up Your Copy Today!
Synthesis CE Study Guides for each weeks readings will
be available at the back of the church.
† Sermon Shorts
A
n authentic version of justice. To replay all our
sermons, audio and videos follow this link for The
Sunday Sermons. Check out our sermon archives as well.
15
S
† Deacon’s Forum
t. Paul’s Parish continues to offer hope, prayer,
community in Christ and education in the form of
Bible Study opportunities. Fr. George said in a recent
sermon that we are to have God’s words in our hearts. The
people of Israel were told to write God’s Commandments on
their hearts and we read in scripture that we “are to read and
inwardly digest” God’s words. Jeremiah stated that he “ate”
the words of God and felt much joy.
The Rector’s Forum will continue as the “Deacons
Forum” until Fr. Joe returns. Carolyn Legg is offering a short-term program and the topic is
“An Outline of the Faith.” It is offered between services and the program will start at 9:30
and end at 10:15.
It will be new to some of you and a review for others. Please bring your Book of
Common Prayer and join me in the Guild Room with your coffee.
Did you know that 70% of the Book of Common Prayer is from the Holy Scriptures?
Save-the-Date
St. Paul’s Church & Jericho
Partnership
Day of Service ~ Local Mission
Saturday, October 4
Sign up today
More information to come
Questions: See Pam Szen
UNITED SOLO
THEATRE
FESTIVAL
Theatre Row-The
Studio Theatre,
October 15,
3:30 pm
St. Mark's
Gospel
St. Paul’s is
organizing a
group to see this
show, contact
Carol Ferro for
more info.
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T
his compelling and remarkable story, written down by St. Mark but attributed to St.
Peter, tells of Jesus’s conflict with the religious and secular authorities of the time,
his important teachings, his somewhat stormy, often humorous relationships with his
disciples, his miraculous acts and, above all, his unique sense of mission. This complete
rendition of the Gospel, spoken in the simple and elegant English prose of the King James
Bible, is a thrilling and beautiful theater experience. Tickets at Telecharge or follow the
link from, www.stmarksgospel.com
I
† Your Prayers Are Requested For…
t is such an intimate time when praying for the health and well being of others and
such a privilege. The people that we lift up to The Lord are part of our hearts for all
time. Please pray for…
…..Dot Blake and other parishioners convalescing in extended care
facilities.
…..Christ Church, Stratford; Trinity, Tariffville; St. Peter’s/Trinity,
Thomaston; Trinity, Torrington.
…..Peace in Israel, Jerusalem, and the Middle East.
…..Revival at St. Paul’s and the greater Danbury area.
…..Barbara Kast, Brenda Darling, Ginny Beck, Jean Stauffer,
Gary Stein, Lee Rybos, Sue Balla, Betty Gardner, John Mainhart &
Leontine Rybos, continued healing.
…..the people of Brunei; the people of Italy; and our sister and brother members of the
Church of Greece.
…..The Girls’ Friendly Society, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
…..Christians in Northern Iraq facing persecution at the hands of advancing ISIS forces.
Pray also for radical Muslims there (and in other nations) to come to know Jesus Christ.
…..St. James’ Episcopal Church, Danbury and their Daily Bread Food Pantry, which is the
recipient of our food basket collections during the month of September.
…..Michael for protection with the UN peacekeeping service.
…..Oman, that Christian workers will have continued opportunities to share the gospel..
…..Fr. George Hall, healing from cancer and his recent
For Pastor Matt Yukon as he recovers from
surgery.
double hip replacements Saturday, 09/13. He
…..Patricia Brought, who is undergoing treatment for
cancer.
writes the following: "Finally, I need to inform
…..Nigeria, that those behind the attacks and kidnappings
you that I learned this week that I must have the
will repent and turn to Christ.
hip replacement surgery that they said I would
…..An end to the epidemic of Ebola virus in West Africa .
need back in August. As I write this, I have
been admitted to Memorial-Sloan in NYC. I
“Prayers of thanksgiving for Pastor Jamie in Dover,
personally struggled with this. It seems
New Hampshire at Be Free church where my daughters,
everytime I get back to being pastor, something
son-in-law and grand daughter attend church. After his
happens to change things. However, I am trying
stroke he is now preaching again and just has a little
to keep the positive in mind. The Drs says my
difficulty with some of the left over residual of the stroke.
mobility issues will improve significantly and
“Just this week another young father in their church had
the very fact that they will be removing quite a
a stroke. His name is Brian Krug and the same thing
bit of cancer out of my body in the process are
happened to him. Please pray for protection for this
good things."
family and healing for this young father. Also pray that
Please pray he comes through the surgery and
God would be glorified in this situation.” - Beth Trott
has the best recovery possible. Also, for a
Divine healing, which is what it will take.
† Praise Report
We prayed for a newborn who
could not retain her body temperature in ICU. She came home
with her temperature regulated
and gaining weight.
We have been praying for
Gary Stein and he is now Hepatitis C free.
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Just For Fun !
(And Christian Fellowship)
Selfies with
the Father
† It Takes An Editorial Board
Contributors to this Weeks
Sword Points:
C
hris Barrett, Dot Crocker,
Barbara DeAnzeris, Lynne
Donnelly, Carol Ferro, Carolyn
Legg, Bill Loring, Diane Loring,
Doug Melody, Heather Melody,
Beth Miller, Nicole O’Connors,
Patrick O’Connors, Ken Perry,
Mary Perry, Kirsten Peterson, Debi
Pomeroy, David Pople, Joe
Shepley, David Szen, Pam Szen,
Don
Winkley
& Gail
Winkley.
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